GLYCOLIC ACID
Glycolic acid (or hydroxyacetic acid; chemical formula HOCH2CO2H) is a colorless, odorless, hygroscopic, crystalline solid highly soluble in water.
Glycolic acid, or hydroacetic acid, is used in many activities, such as tanning and dyeing fabrics, flavoring and preserving food and beverages, and making anti-aging cosmetics.
Preferred IUPAC name: Hydroxyacetic acid
Synonyms: Hydroxyacetic acid, 2-Hydroxyacetic acid Hydroacetic acid, 2-Hydroxyethanoic acid, Glycollic Acid, Hydroxyethanoic acid, Glycollic acid (Approved Australian Name), Gluco-hydroxy-acid, Acetic acid, hydroxy alpha-hydroxyacetic acid
CAS Number: 79-14-1
EC / List no.: 201-180-5
CAS no.: 79-14-1
Mol. formula: C2H4O3
HS Code: 2918 19 98
Properties of Glycolic Acid
Chemical formula: C2H4O3
Molar mass: 76.05 g/mol
Appearance: White powder or colorless crystals
Density: 1.49 g/cm3
Melting point: 75 °C (167 °F; 348 K)
Boiling point: Decomposes
Solubility in water: 70% solution
Solubility in other solvents: Alcohols, acetone, acetic acid and ethyl acetate
log P: −1.05
Acidity (pKa): 3.83
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)
Glycolic acid contains acid as well as primary alcohol functional groups.
Glycolic acid undergoes typical oxidation reactions to give glyoxylic acid and oxalic acid and reduction reactions with active metals to form acetic acid.
As an acid, Glycolic acid forms salts, esters, amides, etc.
As an alcohol, Glycolic acid forms esters, acetals, and ethers.
Glycolic acid uses both functional groups to form complexes with polyvalent metal ions.
In acid environments, glycolic acid can undergo self-esterification to form cyclic and Glycolic acid linear polymers known as glycolides.
There are no readily hydrolyzable groups in glycolic acid.
Glycolic acid is non-flammable.
Its combustion products include formaldehyde, formic acid, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
Crystalline glycolic acid begins to lose water and polymerize at temperatures above 50ºC (DuPont, 1998e).
When heated to its melting point, the chemical emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes (Lewis, 1996).
Concentrated aqueous glycolic acid solutions are chemically stable at average temperatures (DuPont,1998e).
AVAILABLE GRADES BY ATAMAN CHEMICALS:
Glycolic Acid 99%
Glycolic Acid 70%
Glycolic Acid 30%
APPLICATIONS OF GLYCOLIC ACID:
Personal care and Cosmetics (Exfoliant and Skin lightener)
Industrial (Chemical intermediate in the Preparation of inks and detergents, Corrosion inhibitors, and intermediate of solvents and surfactants)
Household (Manufacturing household, industrial, and electronics cleaners)
Textile ( Dyeing and Tanning Agent)
Food processing (Flavoring Agent and Preservative)
Pharmaceuticals (Preparation of pharmaceuticals)
Organic Synthesis (Monomer in the preparation of Polyglycolic Acid and other Copolymers)
Others
Based on application, the personal care segment accounted for a significant share of the market for glycolic acid, owing to the rising demand for glycolic acid-based products for scalp and hair treatment.
The increasing awareness about the benefits of glycolic acid on skin health and the growing demand for skin care products among consumers is likely to bolster the consumption of glycolic acid in the skincare industry, thus aiding the growth of this segment.
Most formulations of glycolic acid are not aqueous solutions but oil-in-water emulsions such as creams and lotions.
In emulsions, undissociated glycolic acid molecules distribute to the oil phase, decreasing the concentration of undissociated glycolic acid, glycolate ion and hydrogen ion in the aqueous phase.
The high degree of acidity of glycolic acid and excellent water-solubility make it ideal for cosmetics and personal care products such as creams for wrinkle treatment, skin care, scar removal, and hair nourishment, among others.
The growing aging population is escalating the sale of anti-wrinkle products, thereby augmenting the market for glycolic acid.
Industrial applications of glycolic acid are on the rise, particularly in the oil and refining industry, where glycolic acid is commonly used as a cost-effective cleaning method.
The thriving oil and gas industry and the utility of glycolic acid in cleaning and scraping processes are anticipated to contribute to the growth of the glycolic acid market in the coming years.
Glycolic acid is non-volatile and biodegradable and can be sourced from sugarcane, sugar beets, pineapple, immature grains, and cantaloupe.
It can also be synthesized from fossil resources.
Increasing production capacities for glycolic acid and streamlined supply chains are enhancing the availability and usage of glycolic acid across industries.
Glycolic acid is used in various skin-care products.
Glycolic acid is the most well-known chemical exfoliant because it’s the strongest and can penetrate the skin deeply and quickly, thanks to its small molecule size.
Glycolic acid is an essential ingredient that helps slough away dead and dehydrated skin cells on the surface layer of the skin.
Glycolic acid breaks down the substances that bind cells together to remove dead skin cells in the top layers of skin, so that the fresh, new skin cells of the layer below can come through.
This means skin appears brighter, transparent, even-toned, smoother, and softer.
Over-use OF Glycolic Acid can lead to redness and irritation.
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane that chemically exfoliates the skin and boosts collagen.
As a result, adding glycolic acid to your skincare routine can help improve skin texture, smooth wrinkles, and unclog pores.
Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).
Glycolic acid is recognized for its ability to provide an even exfoliation to the skin by helping promote cellular turnover to improve the look of fine lines, skin texture, tone, and radiance.
Available in cleansers, serums, toners, or creams, SkinCeuticals glycolic acid formulas provide an effective solution for various skin concerns, including dullness, uneven texture and tone, imperfections, and/or signs of skin aging.
More benefits of Glycolic acid in skincare:
Smoother and more even skin.
Skin retains more moisture.
Reduces blemishes
A glycolic acid peel is a chemical peel formulated with glycolic acid as the primary exfoliant in the peel solution.
Performed by a skincare professional, these treatments exfoliate and resurface the topmost layer of the skin to reveal new, healthy skin underneath.
They effectively increase cell turnover, soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin tone and texture.
During a glycolic acid peel, one or more solution layers are applied onto the skin for a predetermined time based on the concentration, skin type, and the patient’s reactivity to the treatment.
Once the solution is left on for the desired amount of time, the formula is neutralized with a buffering solution or water.
Following a glycolic acid peel, a skincare professional will apply post-procedure care, which includes a high SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen to help protect skin against damaging UVA/UVB rays.
After any chemical peel, the skin is more susceptible to damage from environmental aggressors.
Therefore, sunscreen must be applied daily and diligently. Your skincare professional may also recommend advanced homecare to help maintain and protect the results of your glycolic acid peel.
A glycolate (sometimes spelled "glycollate") is a salt or ester of glycolic acid.
A sugarcane derivative, glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), a group of naturally occurring “fruit acids” in foods.
Glycolic acid is easily absorbed into your skin because it has tiny molecules compared to other AHAs.
Once absorbed by your skin, it acts as a chemical exfoliator and dissolves dead skin cells on the surface of your epidermis—the top layer of your skin.
Glycolic acid sheds away dead skin cells quickly by increasing cell turnover, allowing new skin cells to replace old skin cells.
When you apply glycolic acid to your skin, it also boosts your skin's collagen production.
This protein helps plump the skin and give it a firm yet elastic feel.
As a result, glycolic acid can help strengthen the skin and prevent collagen breakdown that causes fine lines.
Properties
Glycolic acid is slightly stronger than acetic acid due to the electron-withdrawing power of the terminal hydroxyl group.
The carboxylate group can coordinate with metal ions, forming coordination complexes.
Applications
Glycolic acid is used in the textile industry as a dyeing and tanning agent.
Organic synthesis
Glycolic acid is a valuable intermediate for organic synthesis in various reactions, including oxidation-reduction, esterification, and long-chain polymerization.
Glycolic acid is a monomer to prepare polyglycolic acid and other biocompatible copolymers (e.g., PLGA).
Commercially, important derivatives include the methyl (CAS# 96-35-5) and ethyl (CAS# 623-50-7) esters, which are readily distillable (boiling points 147–149 °C and 158–159 °C, respectively), unlike the parent acid.
The butyl ester (b.p. 178–186 °C) is a component of some varnishes, being desirable because it is nonvolatile and has good dissolving properties.
Occurrence
Plants produce glycolic acid during photorespiration.
Glycolic acid is recycled by conversion to glycine within the peroxisomes and to tartronic acid semialdehyde within the chloroplasts.
Because photorespiration is a wasteful side reaction regarding photosynthesis, much effort has been devoted to suppressing its formation.
One process converts glycolate into glycerate without using the conventional BASS6 and PLGG1 route; see glycerate pathway.
Safety
Glycolic acid is an irritant to the skin.
It occurs in all green plants.
Substance names and other identifiers
Acetic acid, 2-hydroxy-
Acetic acid, hydroxy-
Glycolic acid
glycolic acid
Glycollic acid
Glycollic acid
glycollic acid
Hydroxyacetic acid
Hydroxyethanoic acid
Kyselina glykolova
Kyselina hydroxyoctova
Translated names
Acid glicolic (ro)
Acide glycolique (fr)
Acido glicolico (it)
Aċidu glikolliku (mt)
Glikolio rūgštis (lt)
Glikolna kiselina (hr)
Glikolna kislina (sl)
Glikolsav (hu)
Glikolskābe (lv)
Glycolic acid (no)
glycolsyre (da)
Glycolzuur (nl)
Glykolihappo (fi)
glykolová kyselina/2-hydroxyethanová kyselina (cs)
Glykolsyra (sv)
Glykolsäure (de)
Glükoolhape (et)
Kwas glikolowy (pl)
kyselina glykolová (sk)
Ácido glicólico (es)
Ácido glicólico (pt)
Γλυκολικό οξύ (el)
Гликолова киселина (bg)
IUPAC names
2-hydroxy acetic acid
2-Hydroxyacetic acid
2-hydroxyacetic acid
2-Hydroxyethanoic acid
2-hydroxyethanoic acid
glycol acid
GLYCOLIC ACID
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid
glycolic acid
Glycolic Acid 70 % High Pure
GLYCOLLIC ACID
Glycollic acid
glycollic acid
Glycollic acid
Glykolsäure
Glykolsäure ... %
Hydroxyacetic Acid
Trade names
Glycolic acid
Glycolic Acid 70 % High Pure
Glycos Clear 70
Glypure 70
Glytech Basic 57
Glytech Basic 70
glycolic acid
2-Hydroxyacetic acid
hydroxyacetic acid
79-14-1
Hydroxyethanoic acid
Glycollic acid
Acetic acid, hydroxy-
glycolate
Polyglycolide
Caswell No. 470
Kyselina glykolova
Kyselina hydroxyoctova
2-Hydroxyethanoic acid
HOCH2COOH
alpha-Hydroxyacetic acid
Acetic acid, 2-hydroxy-
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 000101
HSDB 5227
NSC 166
Kyselina glykolova [Czech]
AI3-15362
Kyselina hydroxyoctova [Czech]
Glycocide
GlyPure
BRN 1209322
NSC-166
EINECS 201-180-5
UNII-0WT12SX38S
MFCD00004312
GlyPure 70
0WT12SX38S
CCRIS 9474
DTXSID0025363
CHEBI:17497
Hydroxyacetic acid-13C2
.alpha.-Hydroxyacetic acid
GLYCOLLATE
DTXCID105363
NSC166
EC 201-180-5
4-03-00-00571 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
GOA
GLYCOLIC ACID (MART.)
GLYCOLIC ACID [MART.]
C2H3O3-
glycolicacid
C2H4O3
Glycolate Standard: C2H3O3- @ 1000 microg/mL in H2O
Hydroxyethanoate
a-Hydroxyacetate
OceanBlu Barrier
OceanBlu Pre-Post
hydroxy-acetic acid
2-Hydroxyaceticacid
alpha-Hydroxyacetate
a-Hydroxyacetic acid
2-hydroxy acetic acid
2-hydroxy-acetic acid
2-hydroxyl ethanoic acid
HO-CH2-COOH
Hydroxyacetic acid solution
bmse000245
WLN: QV1Q
GLYCOLIC ACID [MI]
Glycolic acid (7CI,8CI)
GLYCOLIC ACID [INCI]
GLYCOLIC ACID [VANDF]
Glycolic acid, p.a., 98%
pari 30% Glycolic Acid Peel
pari 70% Glycolic Acid Peel
Acetic acid, hydroxy- (9CI)
CHEMBL252557
GLYCOLIC ACID [WHO-DD]
Glycolic Acid, Crystal, Reagent
HYDROXYACETIC ACID [HSDB]
BCP28762
Glycolic acid, >=97.0% (T)
STR00936
Tox21_301298
s6272
AKOS000118921
Glycolic acid, ReagentPlus(R), 99%
CS-W016683
DB03085
HY-W015967
SB83760
CAS-79-14-1
USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 000101
NCGC00160612-01
NCGC00160612-02
NCGC00257533-01
FT-0612572
FT-0669047
G0110
G0196
Glycolic acid 100 microg/mL in Acetonitrile
EN300-19242
Glycolic acid, SAJ special grade, >=98.0%
C00160
C03547
D78078
Glycolic acid, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 98%
HYDROXYACETIC ACID; HYDROXYETHANOIC ACID
Glycolic acid, BioXtra, >=98.0% (titration)
Q409373
J-509661
F2191-0224
Hydroxyacetic acid, Hydroxyethanoic acid, Glycollic acid
Z104473274
287EB351-FF9F-4A67-B4B9-D626406C9B13
Glycolic acid, certified reference material, TraceCERT(R)
InChI=1/C2H4O3/c3-1-2(4)5/h3H,1H2,(H,4,5
VILLAGE 11 FACTORY RELAX DAY AHA EXFOLIATING BODY
Glycolic acid, anhydrous, free-flowing, Redi-Dri(TM), ReagentPlus(R), 99%
Glycolic Acid, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
O7Z
Other identifiers
1033720-45-4
CAS number
1033720-48-7
CAS number
259744-22-4
CAS number
702627-33-6
CAS number
79-14-1
Identification of Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid can be characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, and mass spectroscopy.
The chemical may be detected qualitatively in a spot test with 2,7-dihydroxy naphthalene in concentrated sulphuric acid (Eegriwe, 1932, as cited in Miltenberger, 1989).
Quantitative determination of glycolic acid can be performed by acidimetric titration or a variety of spectroscopic and chromatographic methods.
OTHER PRODUCTS OF ATAMAN CHEMICALS THAT MIGHT BE OF INTEREST:
Glycolic acid
Lactic acid
Malic acid
Tartaric acid
Citric acid
Pyroglutamic acid
Pyruvic acid
Glycerol
Propylene glycol
